Exotic Animal Trafficking and Safe Havens with Bobbi Brink
Release Date: 06/04/2025
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info_outlineHave you ever wondered what really happens to lions, tigers, and bears after backyard breeders and shady roadside zoos are finally shut down? Who steps in for these animals when the authorities seize them?
In this episode, host Penny Ellison sits down with Bobbi Brink, the founder and director of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary—a GFAS-accredited sanctuary that offers rescued wild animals a second chance at a real life. Bobbi pulls back the curtain on the underworld of wildlife trafficking, exposes the sham “sanctuaries” that are little more than roadside attractions, and shares incredible stories of rescue, recovery, and advocacy.
Together, we explore the challenges of caring for traumatized big cats and bears, the hard truths about legal gaps and enforcement, and why real sanctuaries—those that never breed, buy, or sell animals—are essential. You’ll also learn how you can get involved in the fight for stronger laws and better lives for exotic animals including leaving them in their natural habitat and fiercely protecting their right to exist there.
Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that will leave you inspired to act on behalf of animals who have no voice but ours.
Episode Highlights:
· 01:14 Where do confiscated wild animals go? Penny explains that government agencies rarely provide long-term care for seized wild animals; accredited sanctuaries must step in but are rare and underfunded.
· 03:23 Only 8% of US facilities calling themselves sanctuaries are GFAS accredited; most "sanctuaries" don't provide proper care.
· 05:17 Introduces guest Bobbi Brink, founder of Lions, Tigers, and Bears Sanctuary to discuss real sanctuary work and the crisis caused by exotic animal ownership.
· 06:16 Bobbi describes rescuing wild animals nationwide, frequently working with authorities and serving as an education center.
· 07:32 Many animals at the sanctuary come from wildlife trafficking, which is a large and lucrative market—it ranks right after drugs, weapons, and human trafficking.
· 08:35 Animal trafficking methods include being hidden in luggage or vehicles; examples include tigers smuggled across the US/Mexico border.
· 09:14 Exotic animals, like jaguars and tigers, can be sold for tens of thousands of dollars and may change hands multiple times.
· 1010: Social media often tips off authorities about illegal private ownership or breeding; enforcement is inconsistent, and unlicensed breeders are common.
· 11:50 Animal photo ops drive demand; baby animals are bred for short-term use, leading to an endless cycle of exploitation.
· 12:46 Bobbi urges listeners never to take patronize a facility that allows you to photos with baby exotic animals, as this supports harmful industries.
· 13:45 Avenues for advocacy—Bobbi spent years lobbying for the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which faced obstacles like circus industry pushback.
· 16:06 Major differences between true, accredited sanctuaries and facilities misusing the term; accredited sanctuaries don't buy, sell, or breed animals and commit to animals for life.
· 17:08 Regular audits and stringent standards separate accredited sanctuaries from others; Bobbi works with and supports peers to meet standards.
· 18:41 High-profile incidents, like Zanesville, Ohio, helped pass laws restricting private ownership of exotic animals; but laws vary widely by state.
· 20:12 Lions, Tigers, and Bears cares for 65 animals on 42 acres, with individualized care—many rescued animals arrive with health or psychological issues.
· 21:39 Each animal's needs are different, e.g., declawed tigers or with metabolic bone disease require special medical and habitat considerations.
· 23:23 None of the sanctuary’s residents can be released into the wild; if an animal could be rehabbed and released, that's prioritized and explored as a first option.
· 24:33 Bobbi's advocacy is ongoing—her team pushes for new federal and state-level laws, like the Primate Public Safety Act and bans on traveling animal acts.
· 27:18 People can help sanctuaries through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness; more info is available at lionstigersandbears.org.
· 28: 44 Penny wraps up, encouraging listeners to act and referencing further resources at animaladvocacyacademy.com.
Links:
Lions, Tigers and Bears Sanctuary
More questions or want to get involved: Email us at podcast@animaladvocacyacademy.com